Tacoma is home to the Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art, the only American museum that features contemporary glass art; there are just three in the world with such a focus. Opened to the public in 2002, the stunning new building was designed by a team of architects and engineers led by internationally-known architect Arthur Erickson. Its sleek, four-story structure offers several levels of outdoor plazas. Reflecting pools and seating areas make these plazas perfect for relaxing and enjoying views of the waterfront, the Tacoma Dome, and Mount Rainier. A tilted 90-foot-tall steel cone, reminiscent of the sawmill wood burners of old, counterbalances the horizontal lines of the building. Source: http://seattle.about.com/cs/artnw/a/glassmuseum.htm *** Designed by internationally renowned architect Arthur Erickson, the distinctive profile of the Museum of Glass is an immediately identifiable cultural landmark for the Pacific Northwest region. The 75,000-square-foot building encompasses galleries and exhibition spaces, a Grand Hall for special events, an Education Studio, a 180-seat theater, Hot Shop Amphitheater, Museum Store and Cafe. Constructed over a public parking garage, Museum visitors can enjoy strolling along the waterfront esplanade and marina, or ascending the steps and ramps to the rooftop plaza to take in panoramic views of the city skyline, Thea Foss Waterway and Mount Rainier. Source: http://www.museumofglass.org/s04_thebuilding.jsp